Entry Level I.T. Experience Requirements

In todays video we are talking about the experience requirements for entry level I.T. jobs. Please see our post on LinkedIn here: / urn:li:activity:662840...
What are your thoughts? Leave a comment below.
----------
Please consider supporting our channel by becoming an Exclusive I.T. Career Questions Community Member - Exclusive Live Streams, Behind the Scenes, and Much More!: / @itcareerquestions
All Stock Images Courtesy of: Pixabay - pixabay.com/
----
I.T. Certification Book recommendations:(affiliate link) www.amazon.com/shop/itcareerq...
Top Recommendations!
CompTIA NET+ Guide to Troubleshooting: amzn.to/2oLnMmI (affiliate Link)
CompTIA A+ 1000 series Exam Cram: amzn.to/2N17Yct (affiliate link)
CompTIA A+ All-in-One Exam Guide 1000 Series: amzn.to/2Z5VMtp (affiliate link)
MCSA Server 2016 Study Guide: amzn.to/2Ff1tQw (affiliate link)
MCSA SQL 2016 Study Guide: amzn.to/2FXqCMR (affiliate link)
MTA OS Fundamentals: amzn.to/2FjOvNm (affiliate link)
CCENT Official Cert Guide: amzn.to/2FkcQT8 (affiliate link)
CCNA Routing & Switching: amzn.to/2oMv2id (affiliate link)
----
I.T. Career Questions March Link in Bio: teespring.com/stores/it-caree...
----
Thank you for visiting my KZbin channel.
Facebook: / itcareerquestions
Twitter: / itcareerhelp
Instagram: / itcareerquestions
Website: www.itcareerquestions.com
Information Systems: www.informationsystems.net

[@blackjaguar324]

You're gonna love this. An IT internship requires people with 4+ years of experience. Um, if someone has 4+ years of experience, why the f*** would they apply for an internship?

[@jovanicovin9606]

I got a better question. What the f*** is an experienced intern!? The word internship itself implies NO experience! 😂 Whatever weed they are smoking must be the best ever!

[@johnwig285]

BRUHH FOR REAL. Requires a masters w 100 years of experience for a fking INTERNSHIP

[@12012channel]

To be fair, there are internships that are considered for advanced positions. It happens in a lot of industries.Of course most lead into a high rank position in the company. For example, maybe you're a store manger at a retail company for 5 years. You might get an internship that will lead into a corporate manager job at headquarters. This actually happened to a store manger at one of the retail jobs I had previously worked at. So, maybe the same could be true for IT. Maybe an internship to get a CCIE level position job? Then again, this is IT. So, wouldn't be surprised if it was for level 1 help desk.

[@itsnotallrainbowsandunicor1505]

Well, they figure if you have 4+ years of experience as an intern, than you can take an additional 4+ of abuse. And when that is all said and done they'll ship your corpse along with a bill to the surviving spouse.

[@KeenoPangilinan]

I don’t love this

[@NathanWithem]

The hardest job to get in IT is the first one.

[@gabrielalmanzar929]

@Nathan Withem Also, changing fields within IT is hard down the road.

[@NathanWithem]

I’m in the middle of changing now and already know I’ll have to relocate. And I’m not a spring chicken lol. I spent the better part of my adult life in the military (not tech related) and I get looked at funny a lot when everyone assumes I’m higher on the totem pole.

[@schifterrattrap7541]

I dont understand why its so hard though? I thought if companies need workers for anything and you can do the work you get hired... why is it so complicated, and whats really going on behind the scenes?

[@schifterrattrap7541]

@@asshatatwork4461 I see. Well right now I am trying to be a Linux Sys Admin I havent gotten a single interview. I basically know everything there is to know when it comes to tasks and implementing syntax's with the linux OS on the administration level and the senior level. I cant even get an entry level position. I have the google I.T. certification which the creator of this video said previously is somewhat worthless, and have multiple Linux course completions, any advice?

[@schifterrattrap7541]

@@asshatatwork4461 You know... I now understand why people go into the illegal life. There's more bullshit in this legit shit. So now after years of studying I am going to have to start at a position that literally has nothing to do with what I've been studying for and then maybe in years to come your saying I'll then be able to do Linux Sys Admin. Just bullshit.

[@trapaneezus]

You really need a four year degree and two certifications to say "Yes I will escalate your ticket to the next level thank you have a nice day."

[@giuliochris]

Exactly!!!!!!!!! 😩😩☹️☹️

[@tbakes1371]

🤣...true

[@mivids100]

No certificates or degree? Learn to bullshit efficiently and the worlds your oyster!

[@henrysmith9725]

Let’s be real: it’s because companies want experienced talent at entry level prices. It’s bean counting greed, nothing more. Sometimes you see job requirements under the ‘entry level’ heading that want junior or even senior level experience at entry level pay and benefits. Jobs like that aren’t only garbage, they should frankly be illegal for their exploitation.

[@petecam3949]

That would make a lot of sense.

[@tinanickerson1006]

So true ...

[@otherhandlewasdumb]

What's to encourage employers to pay more if they can find employees who work for less. The only issue is you get what you pay for and when you pay trash you'll only attract desperate people who are likely less talented.

[@John_Conner222]

I'm actually leaving the I.T. field because of this. I have noticed that I.T. guys are usually the whipping boys of management. We have been exploited since computer programming was around. Now if you can code an entire OS from scratch with no bugs and or make some other insanely difficult program on the fly without support then yeah you'll get hired and then be forced to do 100 hours worth of work in 60 hours or less. Dear lord the poor souls that have to deal with crunch time almost non-stop or trouble shoot large networks at 2am. Most people in the I.T. field are usually passive and will not stand up for themselves. So the behavior continues. I am done. Nearly lost my cool and wanted to get violent with the last exploitative manager I had. I knew for my health and safety it's time to quit. I also did sales for awhile and will go back into that. At least when you are making money no one is bitching (dry spells suck though). Doing my own print on demand stores and drop shipping on the side while doing sales for big ticket items. I am done with this horseshit. Luckily I can be my own I.T. guy lol. Also one more thing before I go. Women in I.T. Not to be sexist but oh my god has this been a disaster. Not that women can't do the job but the fucking dudes that trip balls when their is a girl working on the team and go out of their way to sabotage you if you even think about criticizing her in any way. They can do no wrong and can be literal HR nightmares on a team. Worked at Google for about 2 years (will not say where or in what capacity) and have about 15 years experience on me. New position opened up. Fucking simps gave the job to a 22 year old blonde that looked like she just came out of a playboy shoot. She had NO experience or qualifications and they started her at $58k/yr salary.

[@henrysmith9725]

Romullus My career in IT is far more embryonic than yours (it’s something I’m interested in possibly entering in a few months after I leave the military), but my experience with the job market isn’t. Employers these days want ready made drones that they can pay abysmal wages instead of either the experienced employees that they pay well or the genuinely entry level positions that are actually and entry into the job and train you. I’m fine with either, but expecting the former and paying for the latter is greedy, exploitive and frankly stupid. My father runs a law firm that simply outsources it’s non-legal needs to contractors (he won’t get me a job, to stem that response). It makes me want if things like genuine entry level jobs are more available for contracting companies like that.

[@whiskeyshots]

Hiring manager here. Ignore the "requirements" on the job posting and look at what you think they are going to need for the position. I work for a large company and have zero input on what the job posting says. I tell them I need this job position filled and they pull a template out to post up. There are certain minimums that I have to make sure a candidate has before offering them the position, but they really are minimum. For our bottom level, it's a HS diploma and one certification. Just submit the resume and let us filter it out if you don't fit. Just be honest about your experience and skills.

[@sonix7119]

Is a High School Diploma like a UK GCSE / A-Level / GNVQ ... or are we really talking more like Microsoft Certification equivalent... ??? :) What if I got a degree in Gender Studies...??? :) - wot, I'm screwed.... !!! :) Luckily, I haven't... !!! :) But, my Microsoft Certification is as old as it is still relevant, but, basically, old, so, kinda frickin useless really from what I've seen recently..... :) Its probably not much better than a Gender Studies degree to be honest now... or as far as companies seem to think from what I can tell... Microsoft can suck my ballz on that one for sure... !!!!!!!! ....... !!! :)

[@techbuildspcs]

Thanks for the advice!

[@Girlforaction]

Thank you.

[@TheSwordThain]

IMO, I think you need to manage your templates. If someone else is preventing you from doing your job correctly, it is on you to get it fixed. Inaction is what causes this ballooning of requirements. Your field is full of introverts, some who could be intimidated by a webpage. Imagine who you've lost because of a terrible template and apathy.

[@nicwalsh9537]

You speak the truth

[@Spladoinkal]

It is HR though. The IT director will say things like, "Yeah, experience would be nice" and the HR person puts "2 years experience required" even though that's not what the IT director meant. The IT director never actually looks at it. That's why you should apply to positions even if the requirements are beyond you.

[@dakotahensley4194]

My college advisor tells all his students to always apply anyway as long as you meet 1 or 2 of their requirements because there are times when they are just shooting out numbers to see what sticks. Hell, if I met none of their requirements I'd probably just apply anyways to see what happens.

[@Spladoinkal]

@Kry Kry :O

[@manoj89tvm]

Because they want experienced IT professionals for entry level pay.lol.

[@explorenaked]

Oh man you hit the nail on the head. I have been seeking a position in the Seattle area. I look at the job description and they require a ton of experience and in some cases with very niche software products. However, when the disclose the pay it's less than I was being paid 15 years ago. I've seen postings for 5 years of high level experience with pay of around $40K. Ridicules.

[@bparisi]

@@stevearcher6100 BINGO

[@lightingrod5907]

That’s pretty evil, but I guess that’s corporate capitalism

[@ferndog1461]

From your lips to God's ears....

[@lionheart051droid]

It doesn't even make any sense because if someone has 3 to 5 years of experience what makes these clowns think they will want any entry level position lol?

[@kevintsuyoi901]

Asking the REAL questions

[@1906Farnsworth]

I don't want to say that HR types are intellectually challenged, so I won't. Technical people should be judged by technical people. Duh.

[@sirdigalot1978]

Sometimes it is necessary to get your foot in the door at a good company, so you can work your way up to the position you want, or that is the only option at the time and it is better then not working at all.

[@Darthyugi]

@@sirdigalot1978 What about the people just graduating from college who are looking for entry level positions.

[@Qwonk]

@@Darthyugi college doesn't really help for IT unless you're doing software engineer.

[@itsnotallrainbowsandunicor1505]

HR makes it sound as if you're applying for a position related to rocket science, when it's not.

[@TimMoran1973]

Along time ago a company wanted me to have 10 years experience in Microsoft Products. Microsoft had only been around for eight years. HR doesn’t know what they’re doing.

[@Minecraft101ToonLink]

HR person: “Boss, we haven’t had any new employers for the IT position for months! We keep getting potential employers, but they all haven’t had 10 years of experience with Microsoft products. What do you think went wrong?” Boss: “I don’t know, maybe we should wait it out until we find someone.” A random employee: “Guys, Microsoft has only been around for-“ HR person: “No one was talking to you!“ Boss: “Why don’t you move along?!?”

[@solidstate0]

Then there was agencies that wanted you to have 10 years .Net development experience.... in 2005 - .Net wasn,t around before 2001/2002

[@warrenf5821]

I’m not even an IT professional, but I feel this video on a personal level. I was looking for a new job a few months ago, and stumbled upon a posting for an entry level IT role with a small town in my state. The job posting seemed to be pretty straightforward, and it sounded like they were in the market for someone with very basic experience. I had some experience running Ethernet/CAT cable and installing switches, so I figured that I should at least give it a try. When I got to the interview stage they asked a ton of complicated questions that only someone with a significant amount of experience could ever have a chance at answering correctly. I ended up having to wish them well and see myself out. To make a long story short, you really can’t advertise a job as being “entry level” when aren’t really looking for someone entry level. I don’t understand how we got to the point where employers expect an expert for every job opening they have. To be completely fair, of course an employer wants the best candidates that they can get, but they also should understand what they are going to get when they seek out entry level candidates at lower wages...

[@paulphilpott8616]

You are too nice to those bastards

[@Ethangelion1.11]

They want to be able to hire people that are overqualified and pay them less money that’s all that’s about.

[@Dracolith1]

No.... frequent Employee churn is expensive; having to go through the whole hiring process over and over again would eliminate the savings. Good hiring managers want candidates who they expect will be happy to work in that role for at least a few years. That means you avoid hiring someone who is already overqualified into the role and who will likely jump ship for a better opportunity somewhere else in 6 months.

[@erenkaslte8046]

Pretty much what I was going to say.

[@erenkaslte8046]

@@Dracolith1 on paper that sounds like what companies should do but.. Thats not what is happening.

[@mrboostification]

jep, just lowballers..

[@kostmalone]

IT help desk wanted: 5 years work related experience preferred. MUST have 4 year degree. MUST have A+ and PenTEST. Masters degree preferred. Pay: 12-14/hr

[@danielgonzalez4079]

This is just a friendly reminder to everyone reading the comments here that you are getting an extremely biased, very narrow view of the IT world. Most of the people in the comments are here because they are having trouble finding jobs in IT and the comments will reflect mostly that. The topic of this video presents a valid problem, especially in tech-heavy markets like Seattle, NYC, and most of California. But this is also an issue that by and large can be overcome. I disagree that this is not an HR problem. I think it mostly is. But I do agree that someone with two or three years of help desk experience will not be applying to another entry-level help desk role unless that is all they are qualified for and didn't invest their time wisely while in help desk. IT is unique in the sense that you can work your way up the ranks relatively quickly even without a degree. Don't fall prey to becoming discouraged because you are scrolling through comment after comment of people lamenting that they can't get a job. It's like researching a product you want to buy and filtering down to the 350 1-star reviews instead of the 15,000 glowing 5-star reviews. There are more jobs out there than there are people to fill them. Especially now during COVID, as the world has moved to remote work and learning, there is dramatically increased demand for entry level IT support jobs EVERYWHERE because there are more tech issues than ever before. Your attitude, communication skills and willingness to learn, along with your ability to convey them both in written format (resumé/CV/cover letter), and face-to-face, will take you farther than anything else. Train yourself, get certifications that matter and demonstrate knowledge, and show your interviewer that you have a "what can I do for you?" attitude. Apply apply, and then apply after you get tired of applying and you will find something. Don't give up.

[@bakica_vangica]

I love you for this comment 😢❤

[@BlackKnight408]

Degree? Certification? Bruh, I’m just sitting here on Udemy and YT trying to start learning.

[@GrayOperative]

I like this place better than Udemy www.cybrary.it/

[@dakotahensley4194]

Gotta start somewhere but with real goals in mind.

[@alyssariemer3300]

Same.

[@Maxrepfitgm]

That's where I was three years ago...I got the cert then contract jobs that last a month, then worked at a private university and now I'm making 60k. Stick with it, it pays.

[@sonix7119]

Awesome comment man !!!! :) if you've not done so already: Check out LinuxAcademy.com - Check out DigitalOcean.com - Raspberry Pi's are awesome aswell - The Pi4 really requires cooling tho... !!! :) If you wanna check out my website aswell - www.Node-Runner.co.uk - hopefully you find something good there too... !!! :) Good luck man !!! :)

[@petecam3949]

OMG!!! Thank you👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻!!!!!! It’s not just IT. It is in other professions too. I’ve wondered that too and assumed it was just HR. I’ve only seen a handful of job postings that don’t have some requirement like that. Then they complain about there not being enough qualified people to fill the jobs?! Thank you for drawing attention to this. Always enjoy your videos, man! 👍🏻 and subbed.

[@Mark-OutWest]

Yeah it goes for web design types. You show us a degree and years of design experience and we'll give you $10 an hour...

[@moopert86]

Worst case I've seen was the other day I saw "Entry Level IT Generalist" requiring a BS plus 4 years, or 8 years. Completely absurd.

[@rohanofelvenpower5566]

I would apply and send them a word document full of swearing at them, absolute bastards.

[@mjt1517]

@@rohanofelvenpower5566 yeah, because that's a good use of your time and effort. And kiss goodbye any chance whatsoever of working at that location in the future.

[@rohanofelvenpower5566]

@@mjt1517 you must be an employer! just jk :)

[@artiemorales637]

This channel deserves more views, you always come through with a lot of useful information

[@Main_1_]

He's got 125k+ subscribers, thing is it's a niche channel. After you get your first or second IT job, there is no reason to come back

[@Itcareerquestions]

Pretty much exactly this Shaun B.

[@guidobit]

I saw a company asking 5yr+ Kotlin experience for a medior dev role when Kotlin was only 2.5~3yrs old 😂🙏

[@fgcapps72]

Yep. They’re paid to fill seats and use the “IT” template that has set reqs.

[@MohamedAhmed-fq6yy]

Entry level job requires connections

[@dwindeyer]

I got my first entry level IT job through my brother. He got his first through one of our dad's friends.

[@legoboy-ox2kx]

I got mine through trade school.

[@nicwalsh9537]

They help but experience is also a boost. Loop in responsibilities from other jobs and apply them in a way that they can meet the requirements of a job posting.

[@Darthyugi]

@@nicwalsh9537 That's exactly what I do. It's how I got every job I have ever had. I turned my Army experience and translated it into what the job was looking for

[@MariaSantos-em5jv]

So true, and not just IT jobs. Who you know is way more important than what you know. Also, if they know you, they'll be more willing to work with you and eventually promote you.

[@PrinceIro925]

Sadly I think its greed. Companies want a senior level IT professional to fill these roles with entry level pay. And it sucks too cause the only way to get experience is to work.

[@E-0921]

And what’s weird with that too is that they’ll get some one overqualified for that job. And once they tell that person what the starting rate is, the job seeker is basically gonna say up the salary or I walk.

[@bob74h67]

You need job experience to get a job and you need a job to get job experince See the problem?

[@audiohazard1203nut]

oxymoron = entry level position requiring years for experience.

[@germsage6726]

I share your pain in this, I struggled for years after graduation finding a job because of that. But now that I am working on my own (not in IT but marketing/advertising), I have encountered the very same issue; its with the managers then HR. The common excuse I get from managers is their reluctance to work with fresh employees, to train and nurture them so that they could one day fit into the company. Their excuse is that they don't have the time, but in actuality, they can't be bothered to mentor others because they lack leadership qualities. They just want people who are ready for the job and pay peanuts for their work. The worst part is when you can't get rid of them. And if you look at these people, they're basically their 40s, 50s, 60s; the era before Google and Yahoo!. They got into the position because of their seniority, connections, tactical capabilities, but not leadership qualities. They are the gatekeepers who have the final say who is allowed into the company. That's how we got into this fucked-up ok boomer situation.

[@bob74h67]

Yea it's stupid though as many people need a imcome and just cant get hired cause they only desire to hire older people or people with connections It's a serious problem evident from the high unemployment rate

[@WhatTheGame]

I feel like this video was MADE for ME. I've been trying for a YEAR. To get into an ENTRY LEVEL job. I've applied to not 5 not 10.. not a few dozen.. but a few HUNDRED places and I hardly EVER hear back. Some i hear back and I dont get chosen. Last year I had a few interviews that led NOWHERE. It's FRUSTRATING.

[@wuyev]

create an llc, say you work for the llc for two years. boom two years worth of exp put it on linkedin and you will have recruiters hitting you up non stop

[@WhatTheGame]

@@wuyev LLC?

[@wuyev]

@@WhatTheGame its an corporation you can make your own for about 200 bucks in most states

[@WhatTheGame]

@@wuyev Oh, well I'm Canadian.. so Idk how it works here

[@thathandsomedevil0828]

@@WhatTheGame Google it. ^^

[@Nayrock]

This video hit home for me... I've been looking for an Entry Level IT job forever now and have 10 years of customer service experience and worked Geek Squad for 2 years (just trying to get more professional IT experience and I cant find a job in IT for the life of me! Even for minimum wage.. nothing. Everyone wants more experience than an Entry Level job should have... Southern California job market these days is soul crushing...

[@cu806]

Man I hate to say it lie or exaggerate on your resume. HOWEVER, be able to back that ish up in the interview. Even though you haven't done what you said you did "PROFESSIONALLY", lab it and know how it's works and how to troubleshoot it. You may not have the "quote" experience but you have the know how. Also, please learn a language or 2. Powershell, SQL, bash are great entry level language and can tremendously boost you chances. Then work your way up to python. If you know people who work in IT and they complain about tedious work create a PS script to report on AD. Stuff like that will not only get you a raise but set you above the pack.

[@theenlightened757]

Im in the same boat as you man . Its so frustrating. I was offered several entrey level jobs but not on a livable wage. We all have bills. Keep up the work brother.

[@JJFlores197]

I live in Northern California, about an hour from Sac and it is worse in this area. There are pretty much no IT jobs in this area which sucks. As a matter of fact, even getting a retail "tech" job is difficult since there is just no demand for this kind of work which is highly unfortunate. I was fortunate enough to get a job at the local school district as a computer tech. At the time of applying in mid November, I could only find 2 IT jobs nearby; 1 at a nearby county and 1 at the school district. Best of luck to you.

[@patmurphy7266]

yep took me over a year and connections to get what i got. socal is practically impossible to get into.

[@bd2eazy]

Hey I was a GSM and landed a service desk lead spot in Burbank. I applied for l2 technician and was hired as a lead. Truth is I knew someone at the company but, Selling myself in the interview got me the level up. Don't have one resume, have a template. Research the position and put what they're looking for on ur resume. Sell the fact that you are determined to fix problems even when u don't have the immediate answer. GeekSquad is a valuable asset don't believe the hype.

[@succeedati.t.9660]

I recently covered the same problem and my advice to everyone is to simply ignore this requirement and apply for the job anyway. I'm NOT suggesting that anyone lie about their experience, but that shouldn't stop you from applying to an "Entry Level" position that also says it requires experience. Just apply anyway. What do you have to lose?

[@shadow7988]

No point. You HAVE TO LIE now. If you don't lie a human will never see your application, you'll just get your resume trashed by an AI. LIE. LIE YOUR ASS OFF.

[@iPLAYtheSTATION]

HR is generally useless, especially when it comes to IT jobs. I've seen jobs that are for a "Junior Software Engineer" requiring a master's degree with 3+ years experience and are expected to take on manager-like roles. Plus, they tend to flood the job posting with textwalls and bullet points and have absolutely no idea what they are talking about. If you're a manager and want to hire someone in IT, do it yourself. Don't go through HR. It's a disaster waiting to happen.

[@lakeacres9750]

I'm in IT as a DevOps engineer and I've been told by hiring managers that those requirements are simply a list of "wants" and not a list of "needs." Obviously there will be some requirements that a person simply must have, but for the most part it's just a wish list for these people. They don't expect to get a person with those exact qualifications, but the fact that they have those requirements documented, they can be picky about the person they do end up choosing. I was advised to apply to any job that sounds interesting to me and not worry too much about the requirements list, as long as the position is within the realm of possibility.

[@moegreenback6854]

I have seen when these same companies post and repost the same job which goes on unfilled for months/years when they could’ve hired someone and trained him for peanuts and VOILA experience!

[@plaguex1]

Over here in Flint Michigan the same thing is happening. There was one company I interviewed for. Declined after I saw the environment and it's still unfilled a year later.

[@thathandsomedevil0828]

@@plaguex1 Jesus christ...

[@hartescout]

This is spot on. I was just speaking to recruiters today expressing their frustration with companies. Coinbase in particular. It's amazing how hard it is, even for experienced professionals let alone new professionals like myself, no matter what we do.

[@neamime2662]

Finally someone who is in the industry for the long time who told the truth! I can't stand those "smart ass senior developers" who got their first developer jobs 10 years ago just with some random IT or Electrical engeneering degree and a good will to learn, who are now trying to be smart and pretend that situation is the same nowdays. I have completed IT high school, got further education for Web developer, done intership, got great recommendations and still learning new frameworks from home and this morons are treating me like a illiterate because I dont have 2+ years of experiance with Node, Laravel and React. This situation is absurd and I can't stand the industry and people working in it any more. I think I'll just pursue Freelancing career.

[@antred11]

As a senior software engineer, my boss sometimes asks me for input when writing up a request to HR to fill a SW engineer position. I always tell them that experience with the particular topic would be great if the person already has it, but IMO I wouldn't make it a requirement. What I'd want in an employee is good analytical and reasoning skills; not intimate familiarity with a certain programming language / technology. If they have that skill, they'll be able to crack their way into any programming language or technology and, with a bit of guidance and on-the-job training, eventually excel at it.

[@foxautumnsocks]

Making a video like this is great, and you're absolutely right, the requirements are TOTAL bullshit, however it is difficult to impossible for someone who does not work at a company to influence the hiring process of said company, and as a result a lot of people miss out on what might have been a good job for their skill level. Hell I work as a developer and I can safely say it does not take a bachelors degree with 3 years of prior dev experience to do my job. Literally anyone can do this work with enough practice and self-learning, however the market favours employers which sucks.

[@PrinceIro925]

They do this to underpay you. Companies will do whatever it takes to save money. I was a System Admin at my current company based on my pay our team was underpaid based on the average salary for a sys admin. Now recently we got a title change, which means nothing at first. But when I looked at the average salary of a IT Support Specialist, which was significantly less than what my last title made. Now we're not getting a pay deduction, I hope. But this might give them a excuse to cut corners, since now we're getting over paid for what our title is.

[@grippysockgf]

Best way to say it !! MAKE A PORTFOLIO OF EVERYTHING YOU DID

[@joshuarussell1165]

I think it's a pride issue in the IT department. A lot of them assume they're geniuses compared to the people they're interviewing, when in reality just because you've been in the game for 20 years and have experience, you haven't always been that way. And it's stupid of you to assume joe shmoe who just finished A+ can match you in knowledge. You need to actually train new people.

[@kayp6975]

I saw your post on LinkedIn a few weeks ago, and it hit me to my core. I couldn't even *get* an entry level IT job without knowing someone, and this was 4 years post-degree. I'd love to get into system analysis instead of staying in sysadmin/helpdesk, but those barriers to entry are just as prohibitive, if not more, than entry level helpdesk! I have a Bachelor's in info sys and a MBA in HR, and I'd be an ideal candidate for system analysis, but I keep getting glossed over due to "insufficient experience."

[@taiquangong9912]

Alot of these entry-level jobs don't really add to skillset. Many jobs misrepresent themselves.

[@etripp111]

Where the heck is the LOVE button; a thumbs up just doesn't seem like it expresses my feelings enough. Great video Zach!

[@michaelbateman2178]

Preach man!!! I apply daily to entry level jobs, get a call back... and they ask what experience I have from jobs... it's going to get to the point where everyone will start to lie left and right

[@jasminedtucker]

People already are lying to get jobs. I know several people who lied on there resumes about education.

[@twinker23601]

Exactly been applying since October 2019 got 5 calls so far ... “‘Mind you entry level” I gave them resume etc. made it through phone screens, got 2 interviews ... both basically said I was “overly qualified “ and that they want to wait for something better........ still waiting mind you I got an associates in business of culinary arts and restaurant management.... did 6 years (plus school)of that and then 4 years being an ophthalmology technician/ I.T. .... one of the guys literally canceled on me the day before my interview...... 😡😡😡 Im still applying places and patiently applying while studying for my A+ certification. To take it in 3 months.

[@damtewmekke2659]

One of the most useful advice I ever got from KZbin.Thank you

[@KevZen2000]

If you have the amplitude, and the drive and passion a lot of experience isn't necessary for a lot of IT jobs. Can you do research on the fundamentals? Can you follow basic instructions? Are you able to browse through references quickly, and find a feasible solution? Congratulations, you're qualified for most IT jobs

[@ebshadow89]

God this is so fitting as I'm desperately looking for an entry level IT job with a BS degree.

[@michaelallen5766]

F**K A HELP DESK! after spending 6 months in a help desk role, I realized the next year and a half would be better spent(and invested) learning to code. Some of these companies want multiple certs and 3+ years of exp to pay you less than your local pest control worker. FOH👎🏾😒

[@laramecodes3520]

I wish I could like it twice!

[@johnsprunger5224]

As a developer, wait until a 60/70 hour work week becomes normal before you get excited about a developer role. My suggestion would be cloud or security, they seem to be the happiest usually.

[@MrBranh0913]

Pest Control isn't a bad job though

[@michaelallen5766]

@@MrBranh0913 not a bad job at all, I just think an IT specialist with certs should get paid a bit more than them, or at least on par.

[@patmurphy7266]

yep one offered 15/hr in the interview... with CCNA, ITIL, A+, Net+, and Sec+ along with MCSA

[@sergioramos3437]

This vindicates my frustration searching for my first role. Thank you for keeping it real sir

[@gibraltarify]

Wow...... This the most realist guy ever !! 👏

[@adamf.8564]

Exactly!! That is why I have been struggling to get into IT for over 10 months so far. I love your videos btw. Thank you.

[@playakid1746]

6:24 was what I needed to hear. I keep holding myself back from applying to positions about entry-level jobs with my 3 years of experience of helpdesk all because I feel like I lack so much knowledge to level up in my career.

[@Kylemathews1]

KNAWLEDGE

[@brunomoreno3666]

Study for the interview, once you get the job you will learn there.

[@247OnlineGuy]

Oh you already got helpdesk experience, shouldn’t transition be easier?

[@GoodLuck-yu5fi]

I'm in the same boat as u. Thanks it guy now so that i don't hesitate while applying for any job.

[@goomba2956]

Thank you so much for using your platform as a voice for us aspiring IT professionals

[@l33tninja1]

This is the very reason I failed to get a job after geting a 3.8 gpa in my trade school for tech. Seeing them asking for so much experience I kind of gave up and it's been years nearly a decade since I got my degree. Debating trying again after geting the newest comptia a+

[@That-Dude]

I swear man, I'm complaining about this to my wife almost every day. You hit the nail on the head about being valued in those environments, I said the same thing verbatim two nights ago.

[@Flakzor123]

It's actually not about requirements at all: They will usually hire someone they like that doesn't check all the boxes on their list but those "requirements" will give them something to refer to when they don't want to hire a particular person for personal reasons... by setting "requirements" disqualifying 99% of the likely applicants they give themself a layer of defense against discrimination lawsuits.

[@Drehirth]

Wow this by far away makes the most sense!!!

[@bulcub]

Thank you bro for finally putting the REAL TRUTH out there!!

[@bijdikh8516]

My first interview for a help desk role came summer 2022. They laughed at me confused why I even interviewed for the position when I didn't have a Bachelor's degree and the CompTIA A+ certification and at least 2 years prior experience with help desk. They didn't know what CompTIA was until I explained it to the during the interview, yet out of nowhere it was a requirement for the position lmao. The job requirement was to provide external support for doctors offices on updating software (yes, it was that simple). They also paid $15/hr and expected you to be available on call after work from 5PM-4AM.

[@uainthacking_shit8362]

I went to school WHICH SEREVES AS EXPERIENCE SO I WORK FIR MY SELF

[@ArkanSubotic]

After graduating college I was lucky enough to get a part time job at the college teaching labs. After 990 hours you would be considered a permanent part time employe with better pay and benefits well 10 hours before completion they let me go. Caught me off guard as I was close with my director but the decision came from higher up and many of us were let go. It took me 4 months of being jobless and 2 interviews to get my first job at a Canadian start up company as a system admin. It doesn’t seem like a long time or that many interviews but in that time I applied for over 250 jobs across Canada and only those 2 companies even looked at my resume.

[@thathandsomedevil0828]

Am considering working for start ups as well.

[@ArkanSubotic]

ThatHandsomeDevil08 I’ve been at this company for 7 months now and I’m learning new skills throughout the company. I work for a cannabis company here in Canada, Which is a new industry so I’ve been helping out so many different departments and adding skills to my resumes. My biggest piece of advice is just to be willing to do any job. I’m been helping the accounting team, inventory, advertising and the laboratory department. During my interview I literally said I have no real work experience in system administration everything I’ve done has been in a lab but I really want to work and learn, I’ll even take minimum wage to start my career. I guess they liked what I said and offered me 50k to start.

[@jamotto1569]

This has been an issue for some time, I spent a decade trying to break into the IT field before I nailed a job. I applied only for entry level positions and around 75% or so had requirements of 3+ years of experience . I would simply ignore it and apply anyways.

[@Row-Low]

Am doing that now trying to get in

[@jasone.5648]

Dude I was having this problem a decade ago. Eventually I said "fuck it" and gave up on the IT field.

[@wuyev]

@jam otto wait you spent 10 years trying to break into IT?? wow.... idk if the problem was the IT field then lol

[@jasone.5648]

@@wuyev No I didn't spend 10 years trying to get an IT job. After like 2 years of searching, I gave up on it.

[@wuyev]

@@jasone.5648 wasnt talking to you

[@cesariosecurity]

Something that has always worked for me in other industries is to reach out to the head of a company/division personally over instagram or email and tell them genuinely that you don’t have any experience and that you’re willing to learn. For a small/medium sized business, this is effective because they need employees. As long as you show initiative and willingness to learn they should take you on.

[@marcosluna7792]

This is very encouraging to me. Love your content man!

[@Talishar]

It's the same reason as we see in engineering today after COVID layoffs. There is an oversaturation of out of job experienced people flooding the market so companies are trying to hook those desperate experienced people on the cheap. They know some experienced people are desperate to get back to work and get a paycheck again and will start over at entry level for entry level pay while being experienced. The issue with IT is that there's way too many people trying to get into IT and the work market is oversaturated. So companies are trying to pickup experienced, out of work IT workers for entry level positions and pay and they keep doing it because desperate people sign up for it. The other issue is the H1-B VISA program. Many companies are trying to get cheaper imported labor that they completely control but in order to get H1-Bs, they have to prove that they have positions that can't be filled. So they make these ludicrous job posts that won't get filled and then cry to the government that "we can't find anyone to take all of these required jobs that we're posting. Give us H1-Bs please!" The government doesn't really vet the job postings to see if they're legitimate and will just see a bunch of open jobs that aren't being filled and the company gets put into the H1-B lottery. The final reason that I've heard is that some companies don't consider internships/co-ops as entry level. They're below entry level in their eyes. So entry level for them are people who've already done internships and have experience as it's the first stage that they do direct hiring for and therefore entry level. Either way, for whatever reason or combination of reasons companies are using, it's bullshit.

[@MarktheRude]

The funniest thing about requiring certifications for a entry level IT job is that you need a job to be able to afford those certifications. And if you have a stable job that's paying well enough so that you can throw money at certifications you have no reason to take a entry level IT job that's not going to pay all that well.

[@SageTheProfessor]

This cannot be overstated enough. Those requirements are built mostly by HR that doesn't get what we do and what we know. Make the case and know your worth. Thank you for the video. Subbing now.

[@walter.bellini]

Thank you for the video and your time to make it to share it with us, appreciated

[@Sunokanse]

I wish I had heard this 10 years ago!!! All the companies I've ever worked for never gave the push up or any direction. Hopefully, that will all change this year.

[@carsonjamesiv2512]

TRUE!

[@ThereIsNoSpoon678]

IT Entry level IS Customer Service. Amen and amen. If you want entry level, search for those. Security alarm system companies hire these kinds of people out of high school, but it looks GREAT on a resume.

[@queenannsrevenge100]

At the company I used to work for, the hiring force worked hand in hand with the senior techs to interview candidates, because they understood that they themselves didn’t have the qualifications to properly determine skill sets needed. They undertook the absolute minimum requirements (HS or College degree, minimum certs), but turned the rest over to us for years of experience. Great advice about volunteering BTW - anything to show real-world application of skills is important.

[@zonko0488]

You nailed it Man!!! Thanks for addressing this BS..

[@bitameah7745]

I need to give this video a hundred thumbs up.

[@BobbleTech]

You're totally on the ball with this one, and I love your energy. We should do a collab discussion about IT experience sometime!

[@TheFlamerGamer3]

So I managed to successfully grab an IT job, but I had to know someone who already worked there. I had hardware break/fix experience but no-one else even considered me. The job is very enjoyable but I really think I got lucky. I applied for so many jobs, even through staffing agencies, still nothing. But connections seem to get you everywhere starting in IT. Also love the content, keep up the awesome videos :)

[@bobbyleggins3900]

Thank you....Professor Messer hits on this all the time..."Its about who you know what'll get ya job"...

[@patmurphy7266]

in Orange County it took me a year to get an entry level position. and i actually started with a temp all the way in the bay there is no training there is no guidance super saturated market where the companies feel there isnt a need to teach or train anymore. just hire a different companys leftovers. it was NOT HR. hr was a breeze, always loved me and i gave them confidence. it was the hiring IT managers that were the nightmare. 450applications 250 phone interviews 200 hr interviews 180 hiring manager interviews 50 second interviews the job i got? through connections and i genuinely dont think they wanted me because of my lack of it experience its harsh its super competitive its very anti certs or degree its elitist just saying how this market is and im getting out regardless

[@thathandsomedevil0828]

Damn..

[@jessr1698]

Sounds like it is partially California with Silicon Valley, or at the people I’ve talked to and interviewed with in the Mid West don’t seem that bad

[@adriennethiery5432]

I really wish someone had told me to document my home lab two years ago. I was under the impression it didn't count as experience. Same with bootcamps and courses. Thanks so much for making your channel, I'm hearing "real-world" advice instead of the usual "make sure your resume doesn't have typos" generic crap. Can I call you IT Seth Rogan? Cuz you sound just like him and give off the same vibes :-D

[@indy197905]

Damn that catch 22. IT is a dream job for me. A lot of problems that I solve are with google.

[@codegate615]

I entered development(java/python) in an attempt to have better entry-level opportunities. It worked. Hoping to move laterally into the IT security field.

[@itsnotallrainbowsandunicor1505]

Coding skills do help. I heard Perl is another language in the cyber field.

[@YoungDen]

Ruby PHP MySQL will for sure get you job as well.

[@ManOnFire-ep1zc]

You sir, just got a new subscriber. Like this message just touched my soul. I have a computer science and security+ certification and i can’t find a f*****g job. This is really annoying and stupid. I worked my ass off and i keep getting shot down. This is completely unfair.

[@Twitter_Posts]

I’ve been looking for entry level jobs, but it’s mostly $13/hr but needing 2 years of experience...

[@theenlightened757]

Iv been offered some entry level jobs. But i can't live off 13 an hour. If i can't pay rent I'm fucked.

[@Twitter_Posts]

Mr Clean exactly!

@@theenlightened757 wow, 13, thats fucking rich. min wage is like 8

[@lynnmckenney1987]

Lol, I'm over here at $11.50 an hr hoping to find a $13-15 he job.

[@Twitter_Posts]

Lynn Mckenney You work at a help desk? Where?

[@danmac4969]

I’ve seen help desk roles want a 4 year degree lol

[@Mark-OutWest]

Holy cow that's just a trouble ticket writer, or the reboot and call back later guy.

[@Qwonk]

Those companies will fail

[@supersaiyanbuu]

i have a 4 year and still can't get a help desk role

[@sarahadkins2540]

That’s why I left that crap help desk job. 4 yr degree for a pointless $8/pay, bad insurance, no PTO? Bye!

[@twinturbo9113]

I just got an entry level it support job making 17/hr with no college, no certs and a felony for marijuana on my record. You’re looking in the wrong places I think.

[@mezirezi1]

Great video!! Especially in the government sector; every job announcements require at a minimum a MS degree and the rest a PhD.

[@glenncook4936]

As a 50 yr old engineer doing a horizontal career switch I agree. I am getting my CompTIA in the next week or two and I can see crazy need for IT pros. Fortunately for me I am a veteran and I have resources most don’t. The stupidity of these ‘2+ years of experience’ is well documented. Fortunately right now demand far outstrips supply.

[@jfreshOmg]

One of the biggest advice I can give is work at a company that has a IT department and try to get a job shadowing opportunity. It works. That’s how I first got started

[@pdxdude]

I dont think entry level means what you think it means. Entry level is starting fresh at a company. Bottom of the pole so to speak. Doesn't mean no experience. Just means your starting at the bottom of the stack.

[@deathweepss]

Lol no man...it means entry level job, nice twist though HR!

[@thechampagneroom1]

This actually gives me more hope knowing we all are in the same position

[@danebeexher4399]

You understand my pain... thank you man new sub

[@chillvibes3806]

It's HR/finance and upper admin staff here as well Zach. Due to the higher than minimum wage pay, the higher ups asked that the two year requirement be enacted in order to make sense of raising our pay to reasonable levels. They make the stipulations, we do the interviews though - so anyone looking for entry level IT make sure you include absolutely anything that can be conveyed as tech experience that makes some kind of sense. As the department we understand the ridiculousness of the requirements for entry level but the spot we're in is its either have reasonable pay to keep people around, or more reasonable hiring standards. However, the way you articulate your experiences will make the difference when someone in HR goes over your application. It could get you into the hiring pool that gets sent to IT for review. We don't see any application until it passes the HR filter for keywords, then skimmed by a person in HR.

[@ZkHeat]

Thank you for this. Even 2 years later I still see this ive applied to a ton of entry level jobs they almost all say you need 2+ years.

[@Eraserhedd]

IT Managers need to take a more active role in coordinating with HR as the gatekeeper to candidates.

[@Kingsman4101]

I have been doing IT for over 15 years and I had to do "creative" writing on my resume when I wanted to enter the field because of what your talking about here. Once I landed that first job and got the experience I had no issue getting jobs after that.

[@Kyle36147]

It’s not just I.T. either... thanks for the PSA!!!

[@danilove9106]

Fact non experienced graduates are disregarded by all companies .

[@bob74h67]

Which begs the question why even require the degree as a qualification for those positions to begin with

[@blankramachannel9647]

I finished my Masters 2 years ago hoping this would open doors for me in the computer/tech field. after a year of looking I got nothing. I applied and applied more and nothing.

[@OwenRona]

You’re right! It’s HR that post job description templates. The HR really should be working very closely with the IT managers for requirements. It always surprises me that they do that for entry level positions when they themselves likely didn’t even have 1 year of actual HR experience when they started their own careers (sigh)

[@superreverbfreak]

I think the valid reason is this: Job market want people with 2-3 years of experience but only want to pay them entry level pay when someone with 2-3 years experience is way more experienced than someone with 0. It’s all about greed.

[@tinanickerson1006]

Good tips bro!! Question though shouldnt the training for tests and taking test count for some experience?

[@BobHansenJokes]

I earned my CompTIA Security + yesterday and the Network + last year. And I'm obsessed with GI Joe. There was no way I wasn't watching this.

[@jeremykermott537]

I work at a university, so the real ground floor is part-time positions (mostly hiring students). I used to hire for the Help Desk, and we just needed people with good customer service skills, a comfort with technology (not afraid of tech, but not needing to be expert), and a willingness to learn. For the entry-level full-time positions at our university, we usually have good common sense in our expectations. Depending on the job requirements, either a degree OR certain amount of work experience (possibly even volunteer work) is listed as a requirement. For IT positions, certification gives you an edge over other candidates. Being an educational institution, many/most 2nd and 3rd level tiers require a combination of education AND experience. (Of course, upper-level positions here require an advanced degree, Masters or Doctorate, depending on the position.)

[@Naltddesha]

Best thing that ever happened to my career, was getting into the Telecommunications field. This is for folks who do not have a degree. You’ll start by pulling cable/fiber optic cable, all the basic termination a of those cables can lead you to some great opportunities. I started as a cable monkey, and now I’ve got a high paying job at an air port (4 years into this profession) as a a Business Technologies Tech. Anything from cameras, to wireless access points, card reader based access control, AED emergency equipment, campus wide speakers (like intercom speakers), ect. Try to find a company that lands government contracts- in most states even an entry level telecom tech MUST be paid the same wage as a union, journeyman electrician. They have to pay those wages by law, so there is no negotiations when it come to your pay, bc it’s law.

[@JustMamba]

I was looking at jobs the other day.. one that stood out was entry level.. starting at 29k a year, they wanted a bachelors and 4+ years experience or 10 years experience w/o a bachelors

[@PMPerformance]

Love the shirt man!

[@IdgaradLyracant]

I can give you the reason. But there are a few steps in the story. First when the DotCom era hit IT was flat. It wasn't 50 different departments. So a large amount of skill sets sat with very few people. They were indispensable. While it wasn't a bunch of CS\Xerox Palo Alto level science, those who could hack it were still a rare sight. They had too much leverage. A few brits figured out they could outsource labor for cheap. But again, IT was flat. Then came ITIL who's sole real function (not implying it isn't a good idea overall but there were some serious 'sinister' underpinnings in it's design, intentional or otherwise) was to bust up IT into a structure that could facilitate outsourcing. The beginning of the end. A real four horsemen of the apocalypse type moment. The problem was there were some countries that had actual labor laws that you had to hire local staff if they were qualified *cough EU members*. The easiest way to circumvent that was to simply inflate the requirements so they could say they 'legitimately can't find qualified experience'. I remember when Windows 2000 server came out and they wanted people with 6 years of experience in it... you know... the thing that just came out... Well since they can't find someone with the 6 years of experience it gives them a blank check to go offshore. In the ITIL model the whole point of Tier 1 support for example was to ensure they could offshore it. All those drill downs, Remedy help desk databases, etc. Put the knowledge into a system so anyone could do it. The typical India call center was that result. That was your entry level job previously. All that tier 1 support be it in, telco, desktop support, or in some enterprises even data center monitoring.... was all designed to be offshore or broken off to a consulting shop. So again, to circumvent those labor laws they only trick they really have is to inflate the requirements to show they can't find anyone qualified. It isn't HR. HR doesn't write requirements, you submit a request and you specify the requirements at most or a job title at the least. Those open reqs get reviewed and posted by HR. But HR simply opens a template up based on the job title and cuts and pastes the skill sets. HR doesn't draft those requirements, at least at any place I've ever dealt with it. Some come from ITIL, some come from management, and it is a 'standard' in the loosest of terms that is build up across the industry. Since the whole point was to provide for outsourcing that standard, for the lack of a better term, is 'infected' or 'tainted' by that mission. The requirements are usually built like a merge: (Manager Requirements + Job Title Requirements + Pay Grade Requirement) and at the job title and pay grade are the parts 'infected'. So in the end, the jobs that are entry level in IT, were architected to be outsource and requirements were designed to ensure you could never find a local resource that was qualified. Knowing this, it is much easier to understand the system and get your foot in the door. Temp services and consulting. You get brought in for short projects and can build very quickly the experience you need. ITIL was designed for that, so, use it to your advantage. With telecommuting a thing, there are a surprisingly large number of short term gigs when you realize you can work with headhunters all over the world for short term full commute work. You get fed-exed a laptop, sign in to the VPN and you are off and running. To get to that point you need a good track record with the consulting shop you work for, but that is where I would start. The last part of this is IT is hitting the "VCR Repairman Point" where a lot of the entry level work from the mid-90s doesn't even exist anymore. Leg work is largely gone with things like Ansible,Chief, etc. Raised Floor work is vanishing fast as the cloud and data center work becomes a service rather than in house. What is left, well, is for a more derogatory term is 'sweat shop' work.

[@mabeast502]

@IanHarte CompTia was the other program I was checking out.